First shipments to Zimbabwe move via Namibia

Zimbabwe’s reconstruction is already having a positive spinoff for Namibia, with Walvis Bay-based Trade Ocean Shipping Namibia handling its first shipment of goods for the neighbouring country. The consignment of frozen goods was taken by road along the Trans-Caprivi Corridor, which enters Zimbabwe through the north, according to marketing director Michelle Kirov. She hopes the Zimbabwe-bound traffic will grow as more clearing and forwarding companies realise the advantage of using Walvis as an alternative port for in transit cargo to Angola and landlocked Southern African countries. Imports for the rebuilding of Zimbabwe – together with the already booming transport routes to Angola – are expected to help Namibia weather the current economic downturn around the world. Trade Ocean Shipping Namibia has strategies in place to form alliances and represent companies abroad to promote business via the Walvis Bay Corridors, offering both clearing and forward and ship’s agency services, says Kirov. The holding company, Trade Ocean Shipping Services, has offices in Cape Town and Durban.